Rusizi National Park Tourist Activities and Attractions, Burundi Wildlife Safaris

Rusizi National Park is the most popular and sought Park in Burundi, located 15 km northwest of Bujumbura, the park covers an estimated area of 65 square kilometers and is famous for River Rusizi that pours its water into Lake Tanganyika forming a delta that is habitat to hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Rusizi National Park is also referred to as Parc National de la Rusizi and the park is sectioned into two significant areas, which are separated by the Bujumbura-Uvira road. The larger part of the Rusizi National Park lies on the eastern bank of the Rusizi River. This flood plain is 2km wide and 45km long with acacia trees, shrubs, and grasslands dominating the wild vegetation. The plains surrounding river Rusizi are flooded periodically, creating vast areas of Savannah, grasslands, forests, and swamps all attracting wildlife to the area for survival.

 

Wildlife in Rusizi National Park

The park is divided into two parts; the larger part lies on the eastern bank of the Rusizi River whereas the smaller part forms the delta of Rusizi at the entrance point of Lake Tanganyika. Tourists will enjoy a lot in this park as they can explore various unique species of flora and fauna. The park has is habitat for several wildlife animals including Hippos, Sitatungas, Monkeys, Gazelles, and Nile crocodiles that are rumored to have killed over 300 people here.

 

The park is also a habitat to several bird species with approximately 200 bird species that are residents in Rusizi Park including Sharpe's pied babbler, Red-chested Sunbird, Angola weaver, the yellow-browed central, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, White-faced Whistling-Duck, White-winged Tern, and African Skimmer to mention a few. The area is also flocked with migratory birds that visit the park such as the white-winged tern and other birds such as the red-chested sunbird and others. There are various Flamingos that flood along the banks of River Rusizi.

 

This park is also where the Carrera Falls are found which are said to be the birthplace of the river Nile all surrounded by beautiful scenery worth sighting. This fall consists of several waterfalls of different sizes intersected with two platforms. Another smaller waterfall is located roughly 50 m to the west of this main fall. The waters of these two falls converge on a second landing to form the third waterfall, which pours into the valley.

 

Tourist Attractions and Activities in Rusizi National Park

Rusizi River National Park is the most famous National park in Burundi and reserves at the same time being the most visited of all due to the most enriched wildlife & the Crocodiles on Rusizi River. The Park is perfect for bird watching and it ranks as the best destination for Wildlife viewing in Burundi, Game Drives, Nature walks, hiking the Carrera waterfalls, and many other attractive activities. Rusizi National Park is perfect for game sightings along the Rusizi River, birding where visitors enjoy watching both local and migratory birds, nature walks, hiking the Carrera waterfalls and so many other attractive activities.

 

Walking safaris in Rusizi National Park

Walking safaris in Rusizi Park are a great way to explore the park. Walking safaris in the park are done under the guidance of an armed ranger guide in addition to your safari guide. Walking safaris enable travelers to explore the park and see many flora and fauna in the park like antelopes, various monkey species as well as birds among so much more in the park. The guides will share their knowledge about the part greatly and answer all your questions that may have at all times.

Bird watching in Rusizi National Park

There are about 200 species of birds roaming Rusizi Park that travelers visiting the park can take time to see while on a bird-watching activity. Bird watching has travelers going through tracks and paths in the park while in search of various bird species. Having a bird guide with you as well as a pair of good binoculars has travelers spotting more colorful species of birds even those that are quite far off. Among the birds you will see in the park include among others Sharpe’s pied babbler, red-chested sunbird, and ball fetch weaver, as well as migrant birds like the white-winged tern.

Boat safaris in Rusizi National Park

Boat safaris can be done on the Rusizi River in Rusizi Park. Boat safaris are a great way to spot more animals like serried ranges of hippos as well as the Nile crocodiles. Aquatic birds can also be seen, as well as other park animals at the shores as they come for a dip or drink to quench their thirst.

Sport fishing in Rusizi National Park

Sport fishing can be done on the Rusizi River where travelers can let go to catch or decide to have it cooked for them, or better yet cook it yourself or roast it. One needs a license to be allowed to do sport fishing while in the park. Make sure to have your tour operator get you a license to be able to take part in the activity while in the park.

Best time to Visit Rusizi National Park:

The Park can be visited all year round, however, the dry season between June - September is practically the best time to have a safari. The rainy season takes on for the rest of the year since the country lies in tropical Central Africa.

Access to Rusizi National Park:

Rusizi National Park is located 15km northwest of Bujumbura, a few kilometers to the border with DR Congo. The Bujumbura- Uvira highway crosses the park, dividing the park into two sections. The Park can be accessed through various routes and Roads, as it can be accessed by road and airline basing from the Democratic Republic of Congo Bukavu, or Rwanda or via Airlines to Burundi International Airport in Bujumbura the capital city.

Where to stay in Rusizi National Park:

In Burundi, there are various Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Accommodation facilities where you may seek overnight stays before or after the Burundi Safari once booked with a trusted local Safari Company. Some of the accommodations include;

Urban Lodge: Located in Bujumbura (13 km from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve) and provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant.

Roca Golf Hotel: Located in Bujumbura near the Golf course (11.1 km from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve) and features an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a restaurant. Bujumbura International Airport is within 10 minutes drive.

Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika: Located in Bujumbura (6.3 km from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve) in a wide park that ends up on a marvelous beach on the banks of Lake Tanganyika.

Arrange with ULTIMATE WILD SAFARIS for this great expedition in the wilderness of Rusizi National Park in Burundi.

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